Cervical and Lumbar Herniated Nucleus Pulposus Resorption after Acupotomy with Integrative Korean Medicine Treatment: A Case Series of Two Patients

Abstract

The aim of this study was to report on the resorption of herniated nucleus pulposus following acupotomy treatment. Two patients were treated with acupotomy which included integrative Korean Medicine treatment, for either cervical, or lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus. Magnetic Resonance Imaging was used to produce images before and after (several months) treatment. The Numerical Rating Scale scores and Range of Motion were used to assess the patients at admission and discharge. In both cases, substantial resorption of the respective herniated disc was observed in the magnetic resonance images, with a decrease in the Numerical Rating Scale score. Range of Motion improved in 1 case. This study shows that acupotomy treatment may be a clinically effective treatment for herniated nucleus pulposus resorption and pain relief. ABSTRACT Journal of Acupuncture Research Journal homepage: http://www.e-jar.org